From 2015-2019 U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 7,400 home structure fires that were started by candles per year. These fires caused an annual average of 90 deaths, 670 injuries and $291 million in direct property damage.

Safety tips:

* Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
* Keep candles at least 1 foot away from things that can catch fire, like clothing, books and curtains.
* Use candle holders that are study, won’t tip over easily, are made from a material that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
* Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
* Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within two inches of the holder. * * * Votives and containers should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.
* During power outages, avoid carrying a lit candle. Use flashlights.
* The National Fire Protection Association discourages the use of candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.